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Council on Aging trims meals spending as vehicle customization and fleet costs rise
Summary
The Council on Aging told Leavenworth County commissioners its proposed 2027 budget includes a $110,000 cut to congregate meal spending tied to a new catering contract, offset by new vehicle customization costs and maintenance; the agency expects to come in below last year’s request depending on personnel and COLA choices.
The Council on Aging presented its 2027 budget to the Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners, saying most lines remain similar to last year but pointing to several material shifts.
“The council on aging budget really is pretty, pretty standard,” the Council on Aging representative said, while flagging a $110,000 decrease in the meals line “because of the new contract with the, new catering service that we're going to use,” and a $31,000 savings in consumables and printing thanks to a new vendor.
At the same time, the presenter described higher vehicle-related costs tied to fleet turnover and modifications needed for Meals on Wheels vans. Staff noted a roughly $20,000 customization fee per van to install mobility ramps, lifts and a second electrical plug to keep meal bags hot. The agency said its transport vehicles are typically traded after 5–6 years and at roughly 70,000–90,000 miles, and that maintenance costs have risen for aging and new units alike.
Commissioners asked how much of the county’s budget the Council on Aging represents; county staff said they did not have the exact figure but estimated the program’s share increased over the past decade and has been relatively static in recent years, giving a rough estimate in the low twenties as a percentage of an unspecified baseline.
The representative said the council expects to come in under last year’s requested budget “depending on how things shake out with personnel and what you decide cost of living increase or not.” The presentation included no formal motion or vote; commissioners moved to the next item after questions.
Next steps: commissioners will continue budget work in coming weeks as the county compiles department requests and prepares revenue-neutral determinations.
